FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] In general, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning valve useful for cleaning
at least a portion of a filter unit, such as filter bags, arranged in a filter installation
useful for filtering polluted gas passed therethrough. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to a relatively small vessel penetration diameter cleaning valve
that requires less installation welding and a reduced pressure vessel wall thickness
while not jeopardizing cleaning valve reliability or efficiency.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Commercial "bag house" type filter installations typically consist of a plurality
of parallel filter units, each containing a plurality of parallel rows of vertically
arranged filter elements in the form of filter bags. Each such filter bag has a top
end opening. A gas polluted with particulates is channeled through the filter bags
to filter and collect particulates entrained in the gas. Hence, upon filtering and
collecting the particulates entrained in the gas, a "cleaned gas" is produced. More
specifically, cleaned gas is produced by channeling a polluted gas into a filter installation
for passage through one or more filter units for gas flow from an exterior surface
of a plurality of filter bags through to an interior area within the filter bags via
a flow path through the sides of the filter bags. As the polluted gas passes from
the exterior surface of the filter bags through to the interior area within the filter
bags, particulate pollutants entrained in the gas are filtered and collected forming
dust cakes on the exterior surfaces of the filter bags. Hence, gas in the interior
area of the filter bags is the so produced cleaned gas. Cleaned gas exits the interior
areas of the filter bags via a top end opening in each such filter bag. Cleaned gas
flows from the top end openings through an outlet duct common to the filter units.
During operation of the filter installation, a negative pressure is typically generated
by a fan arranged downstream of the filter installation to cause gas flow through
the filter units and filter bags.
[0003] As noted above, dust and particulates entrained in the polluted gas are filtered
by and collected on the exterior surfaces of the filter bags, thus forming dust cakes
thereon. Cleaning of the filter bags to remove the dust cakes is necessary for effective
and efficient equipment performance. Cleaning of the filter bags is accomplished using
a pressure medium in the form of compressed air pulses injected into the filter bags
in a direction opposite to that of gas filtering. Rows of filter bags are cleaned
successively using cleaning units arranged for each such given row. A cleaning unit
cleans a row of filter bags by generating a compressed air pulse delivered substantially
simultaneously to each filter bag in the given row. More specifically, each cleaning
unit comprises a nozzle pipe arranged above and extending the length of the associated
row of filter bags for cleaning. Each nozzle pipe typically has a plurality of vertically
downwardly projecting pipe sockets connected thereto. Each pipe socket is positioned
straight above a filter bag top end opening within the associated row. The function
of these pipe sockets is to direct via nozzles compressed air pulses into the respective
filter bag top end openings. The pipe sockets usually have a diameter of about 1.5
to 2 times greater than the diameter of the nozzle associated therewith. The nozzles
associated therewith consist of circular holes of varying diameter formed in the nozzle
pipe. The varying diameter of the circular holes along the nozzle pipe is determined
empirically based on the total number of pipe sockets/nozzles, requiring a uniform
distribution of compressed air pulsed therethrough. As such, circular holes arranged
in the nozzle pipe are smaller or larger in diameter depending on the circular holes'
distance from the nozzle pipe inlet. By so varying the diameter of the circular holes,
a uniform distribution of compressed air pulsed therethrough is achieved.
[0004] In the cleaning of filter bags using a pulse of compressed air, a valve is temporarily
opened to establish fluid flow between a compressed air tank or pressure vessel and
the nozzle pipe. Upon fluid flow between the compressed air tank or pressure vessel
and the nozzle, compressed air is pulsed through the nozzle pipe and its associated
pipe sockets and nozzles. As such, a compressed air pulse is supplied to each of the
filter bags in the associated row of filter bags. Compressed air pulses supplied to
the filter bags dislodge dust and particulates that collect and cake in and on the
walls of the filter bags. Dust cakes formed on the filter bags are thereby loosened
by the flow of compressed air from the interior areas of the filter bags, through
the filter bag side walls, to an area in the filter unit exterior thereto. The resultant
loosened dust cakes fall off the exterior of the filter bags for hopper collection.
[0005] In operating a cleaning unit, it is essential that the above-described pulse valve
delivers a cleaning pulse of compressed air at a relatively high pressure with a relatively
low consumption of compressed air. Pulse valves function by a cavity behind a plunger
or membrane emptying through either a solenoid valve or a pilot valve, whereby the
plunger or membrane is displaced by the differential pressure between the pressure
vessel or air tank pressure on one side of the plunger or membrane and the cavity
pressure on the other side of the plunger or membrane. The plunger or membrane undergoes
considerable acceleration and achieves considerable velocity upon displacement as
a result of this pressure differential. Eventually the plunger or membrane impacts
an end position with very high momentum. The plunger or membrane impacting the end
position with very high momentum creates a significantly loud noise upon impact. Likewise,
when the plunger or membrane impacts the end position, such impact creates relatively
high mechanical stresses. Mechanical stresses on the valve shorten the operational
life expectancy of the valve and add to the system's operation costs when performance
is hampered and/or replacement is necessary. Installation and replacement of valves
on compressed air tanks or pressure vessels typically requires bolting of the valve
to a flange welded to the compressed air tank or pressure vessel. Welding of the flanges
to the compressed air tank or pressure vessel is relatively costly due to the relatively
large amount of welding required therefor. Bolting valves to tanks or vessels requires
a relatively large valve outer diameter to accommodate the bolts. As such, these relatively
large diameter valves must sometimes be staggered in their placement in order to accommodate
their larger size. Such is especially true for smaller valve pitches, i.e., smaller
distances between valves. Staggered placement of valves is also relatively costly.
Hence, to increase system performance and decrease system operational costs, a valve
with decreased mechanical stresses, decreased installation and replacement cost, and
increased operational life expectancy is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In view of the above, disclosed herein is a pulse valve with a relatively small vessel
penetration diameter. Also disclosed herein is a method of using the subject pulse
valve with relatively small vessel penetration diameter for pulsed compressed air
cleaning of a plurality of filter elements, such as filter bags. The subject valve
requires decreased or no installation welding thereby reducing costs associated therewith.
Also, the subject valve has a relatively small valve housing diameter since the valve
housing diameter does not have to accommodate for bolting thereof, thus reducing valve
spacing requirements and costs associated therewith. The relatively small vessel penetration
diameter of the subject valve is important in that it reduces tank or vessel thickness
requirements thereby also reducing costs associated with using thicker walled compressed
air tanks or pressure vessels. Larger sized plunger extension tabs of the subject
valve also provides for high performance filter cleaning. As such, the subject pulse
valve with a relatively small vessel penetration diameter is useful for efficient
pulsed compressed air cleaning of at least a portion of a filter unit.
[0007] The subject pulse valve with relatively small vessel penetration diameter comprises
a housing with a plunger slideably positioned therein. The housing is arranged in
an opening of a pressure vessel, or compressed air tank, containing compressed air
having a pressure of about 10 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 145 psi, or about
60 psi. The housing is air tightly fixed in an opening of the pressure vessel by engagement
of a base thereof within a free end of a nozzle pipe arranged within the pressure
vessel. As such, the base is sized with a relatively small vessel penetration diameter
suitable for engagement thereof within a free end of the nozzle pipe. Once engaged
within the free end of the nozzle pipe, one or more openings formed within the housing
allow for a flow of compressed air to pass from the pressure vessel through the housing
and into the fluidly connected nozzle pipe. Compressed air flowing through the nozzle
pipe effectively cleans at least a portion of a filter unit when the plunger is in
a first "open" position.
[0008] A fluid supply is fluidly connected to or on the housing to supply a fluid, such
as air, to an interior vault or cavity within the housing. Filling of the interior
vault with air causes a downward movement of the plunger within the housing to a second
"closed" position. When in the second closed position, the plunger blocks the one
or more openings in the housing and thus blocks the flow of compressed air from the
compressed air tank or pressure vessel to the nozzle pipe. Compressed air in the pressure
vessel or compressed air tank has a pressure of about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or
about 60 psi. When the plunger is in the first open position, the fluid pressure within
the interior vault or cavity of the housing is significantly less than that of the
compressed air within the pressure vessel. When the plunger is in the second closed
position, the fluid pressure within the interior vault or cavity of the housing is
equal or greater than that of the compressed air within the pressure vessel and significantly
greater than the pressure in the nozzle pipe.
[0009] A dampening mechanism, such as one or more cushions, is arranged inside the housing
to reduce or dampen the impact between the housing and the plunger upon movement of
the plunger into the first open position. Cushioning the impact between the housing
and the plunger reduces mechanical stresses caused by such impacts and improves valve
reliability even with higher pressure vessel or tank pressure. The internal dampening
mechanism likewise reduces the impact noise of the plunger upon displacement or movement
of the plunger into the first open position. In addition to the dampening mechanism,
fluid within the interior vault or cavity of the housing provides a cushioning effect
that reduces impact and impact noise of the plunger upon movement thereof into the
first open position.
[0010] A method of using the subject pulse valve device for cleaning at least a portion
of a filter unit comprises reducing fluid pressure within an interior vault or cavity
of a valve housing to cause pressure differential displacement or movement of a plunger
into a first open position allowing for a flow of compressed air from a pressure vessel
or compressed air tank through the valve housing to a nozzle pipe in fluid connection
with a filter unit, thereby cleaning the filter unit with a pulse of compressed air.
Increasing fluid pressure within an interior vault or cavity of the valve housing
likewise causes pressure differential displacement or movement of the plunger into
a second closed position blocking flow of compressed air from the pressure vessel
or compressed air tank and hence from the nozzle pipe, until a further pulse cleaning
of the filter unit is indicated by buildup of a filter dust cake.
[0011] For purposes of this method, the compressed air in the pressure vessel has a pressure
of about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi. When the plunger is in the first
open position, the fluid pressure within the interior vault of the housing is significantly
less than that of the compressed air within the pressure vessel or compressed air
tank. When the plunger is in the second closed position, the fluid pressure within
the interior vault of the housing is equal or greater than that of the compressed
air within the pressure vessel and significantly greater than that of the nozzle pipe.
Pressure within the housing is controlled using a solenoid valve or the like for purposes
of the subject method to control fluid flow into the interior vault of the housing
to thus control the pressure differential between that of the interior vault and that
of the pressure vessel or compressed air tank.
[0012] The subject method further comprises providing a dampening mechanism within the housing
to reduce or cushion the impact between the housing and the plunger upon movement
of the plunger into the first open position. Providing a dampening mechanism as herein
described also reduces the impact noise of the plunger with the housing upon movement
of the plunger into the first open position. Fluid within the interior vault of the
housing likewise provides a cushioning effect to reduce impact and impact noise of
the plunger upon movement of the plunger into the first open position.
[0013] The subject pulse valve device and method for using the same to clean at least a
portion of a filter unit, such as filter bags, arranged in a filter installation to
filter polluted gas passed therethrough includes among other features noted, a relatively
small vessel penetration diameter, and no weld or low weld installation, to reduce
costs while not jeopardizing reliability or efficiency.
[0014] In summary, a valve is provided useful for pulsed compressed air cleaning of a filter
unit. The valve comprises a housing with a plunger slideably positioned therein arranged
in an opening of a pressure vessel containing compressed air and removably threadedly
fixed to a nozzle pipe for a fluid connection thereto, one or more openings in the
housing for the flow of compressed air from the pressure vessel through the housing
to the nozzle pipe useful for cleaning at least a portion of a filter unit when the
plunger is in an open position, and a fluid supply on the housing for control of a
fluid to a vault within the housing to cause movement of the plunger to a closed position
for blocking the one or more openings to block the flow of compressed air from the
pressure vessel to the nozzle pipe. The compressed air in the pressure vessel has
a pressure of about 10 psi to about 145 psi. When the plunger is in the closed position,
the fluid pressure within the vault of the housing is equal or greater than that of
the compressed air within the pressure vessel and significantly greater than that
of the nozzle pipe. When the plunger is in the open position, the fluid pressure within
the vault of the housing is less than that of the compressed air within the pressure
vessel. Also, the housing further comprises a dampening mechanism to reduce impact
between the housing and the plunger upon movement of the plunger into the open position.
The dampening mechanism also reduces impact noise of the plunger upon movement of
the plunger into the open position. Further, a valve is either provided on the housing
or connected to the housing through tubing. As such, a solenoid valve is provided
on the housing to control fluid flow to and from the vault of the housing.
[0015] In summary, a method is provided for using a valve for cleaning at least a portion
of a filter unit. The method comprises increasing fluid pressure within a vault of
a valve housing causing pressure movement of a plunger into a closed position blocking
flow of compressed air from a pressure vessel through to a nozzle pipe, and decreasing
fluid pressure within a vault of a valve housing causing pressure movement of the
plunger into an opened position allowing flow of compressed air from a pressure vessel
through to a nozzle pipe in fluid connection with a filter unit thereby pulse cleaning
the filter unit. The compressed air in the pressure vessel has a pressure of about
10 psi to about 145 psi. When the plunger is in the closed position, the fluid pressure
within the vault of the housing is equal to or greater than that of the compressed
air within the pressure vessel, and significantly greater than that of the nozzle
pipe. When the plunger is in the open position, the fluid pressure within the vault
of the housing is less than that of the compressed air within the pressure vessel.
A dampening mechanism is also provided to reduce impact between the housing and the
plunger upon movement of the plunger into the open position. The dampening mechanism
is also used to reduce impact noise of the plunger upon movement of the plunger into
the open position. A valve is provided on the housing for controlling movement of
the plunger. As such, a solenoid valve is provided on the housing or connected to
the housing through tubing to control fluid flow to and from the vault to control
movement of the plunger. By controlling movement of the plunger, the solenoid valve
on the housing also controls flow of compressed air to the nozzle pipe and cleaning
of the filter unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
FIGURE 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pulse valve device according
to the present invention with a plunger in a first "open" position.
FIGURE 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a pulse valve device according
to the present invention with a plunger in a second "closed" position.
FIGURE 3 is a schematic perspective view partially in section of a pulse valve device
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] A pulse valve 10 with a relatively small vessel penetration diameter D for arrangement
in tank or pressure vessel 24 opening 46 and suitably sized for installation within
a nozzle pipe 28 arranged in tank or pressure vessel 24 is useful for effective compressed
air pulsed cleaning of a plurality of filter elements, such as filter bags, in a filter
unit 27. Pulse valve 10 requires decreased installation or replacement welding reducing
costs associated therewith, decreased vessel penetration diameter D reducing valve
spacing requirements on pressure vessel 24 and reducing pressure vessel 24 thickness
requirements thereby reducing costs associated therewith, and relatively large extended
tabs 54a on plunger 18 enabling a relatively small vessel penetration diameter D,
as is described herein. As illustrated in FIGURE 1, the subject pulse valve 10 comprises
a valve housing 12. Valve housing 12 is manufactured of a sturdy natural, e.g., iron,
aluminum, or other metal, or synthetic, e.g., plastic, resin or other polymer, material
suitably rigid and durable for robust industrial uses and forces. Housing 12 is formed
with sides 32. Sides 32 include one or more openings 32a therethrough. Sides 32 also
include an exterior surface 36 and an interior surface 38. Top 34 of housing 12 includes
an exterior surface 40 and an interior surface 42. Extending from interior surface
42 of top 34 is a cylinder member 34a. Cylinder member 34a is formed with an attached
end 34b opposite a free end 34c. Extending from interior surface 42 between side 32
interior surface 38 and cylinder member 34a are one or more dampening mechanisms or
cushions 30. Cushions 30 may be manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber, polyurethane,
silicone or a like flexible material capable of providing cushioning effects upon
repeated impact between solid surfaces. Valve housing 12 also includes a base 12a
defining an opening 13. Base 12a is tubular and sized to threadedly engage interior
surface 28a of nozzle pipe 28. As such, threads 29 are provided on each the exterior
surface 36 of housing 12 near base 12a and the interior surface 28a of nozzle pipe
28 near free end 28b for a removably interlocking connection therebetween. On interior
surface 28a of nozzle pipe 28 abutting exterior surface 36 of housing 12, is a channel
15 with a pliable material 17, such as an O-ring, therein to ensure an air tight seal
between housing 12 and nozzle pipe 28. In removably engaging housing 12 and nozzle
pipe 28, valve 10 is positioned within an opening 46 of pressure vessel 24 with base
lip 44 of valve housing 12 abutting exterior surface 48 of pressure vessel 24. In
base lip 44 of valve housing 12 is a channel 50 with a pliant sealing member 52 therein
creating an airtight seal between exterior surface 48 of pressure vessel 24 and base
lip 44 of valve housing 12. Valve 10 is sized so that the distance between opposed
outer edges 44a of base lips 44 is reduced in size as compared to a like valve requiring
bolting, to allow for linear valve placement rather than requiring staggered valve
placement for filter cleaning. Within interior area 22 of housing 12 extending from
interior surface 38 of walls 32 are valve seats 39. Valve seats 39 abut a portion
of base 60 when plunger 18 is in a second closed position as will be described in
more detail below.
[0018] Slideably positioned within interior area 22 of housing 12 is a plunger 18. Plunger
18 is likewise manufactured of a sturdy natural, e.g., iron, aluminum, or other metal,
or synthetic, e.g., plastic, resin or other polymer, material suitably rigid and durable
for robust industrial uses and forces. Extended tabs 54a of sides 54 of plunger 18
contact interior surfaces 38 of sides 32 of valve housing 12 for an air tight seal
therebetween. With an air tight seal between extended tabs 54a and interior surfaces
38, one or more air holes 55 are provided through sides 54 of plunger 18. In addition
to or as an alternative to air holes 55 through sides 54 of plunger 18, air may be
allowed to leak between extended tabs 54a and surfaces 38, as explained in more detail
below. Extending between sides 54 of plunger 18 opposite free ends 56 of extended
tabs 54a is a base 60 with a center plug portion 62 extending upwardly therefrom cylinder
portion 66a into interior vault 22a of valve housing 12. Plug portion 62 is manufactured
to extend from plunger 18 interior surface 66 on cylinder portion 66a away from opposed
exterior surface 64 of base 60. Interior surface 66 of plunger 18 is in fluid communication
with interior area 68 of plunger 18. Between interior surface 66 of plunger 18 and
interior surface 42 of top 34 of valve housing 12 is interior area 68. The area A1
of interior area 68 varies as plunger 18 moves or slides within valve housing 12.
The area A1 of interior area 68 is minimized when base 60 of plunger 18 moves toward
top 34 of valve housing 12 for contact of free ends 56 with pliable dampening mechanisms
30 at interior surface 42 of top 34 of valve housing 12. Air in interior area 68 flows
from decreasing area A1 of interior area 68 through air holes 55 and/or leaks around
extended tabs 54a into increasing area A2 of interior area 22. In this first "opened"
position of Figure 1, free ends 56 of sides 54 contact pliable dampening mechanisms
30 and plug portion 62 slides within interior vault 22a of valve housing 12 to abut
sealing seat 20 of valve housing 12 causing fluid "F" to flow from interior vault
22a through solenoid valve 14 integrally formed with, securely affixed to, or connected
through tubing (not shown) to valve housing 12. In this first "open" position, interior
vault 22a is an area A3 of low pressure causing plug portion 62 to slide into contact
with sealing seat 20.
[0019] The area A2 of interior area 22 is maximized when pressure within internal vault
22a is decreased causing a flow of fluid F from internal vault 22a outwardly through
passage 14a and solenoid valve 14. As such, plug portion 62 of plunger 18 moves inwardly
into interior vault 22a and into contact with sealing seat 20 in a first open position
which allows a higher pressure flow of compressed air CA to flow from compressed air
tank 24 through one or more openings 32a of housing 12 and into fluidly connected
nozzle pipe 28. Now, referring to Figure 2, the area A2 of interior area 22 is minimized
when pressure within area A3 of internal vault 22a is increased causing a flow of
fluid F from a fluid source 14b through solenoid valve 14 and passage 14a into internal
vault 22a. As such, plug portion 62 of plunger 18 moves outwardly from sealing seat
20 into interior vault 22a into a second closed position which blocks the now lower
pressure compressed air CA from flowing from the compressed air tank or pressure vessel
24 through one or more openings 32a of housing 12 and into fluidly connected nozzle
pipe 28. As such, air in decreasing area A2 of interior area 22 flows through air
holes 55 and/or leaks around extended tabs 54a into increasing area A1 of interior
area 68. In summary, upon outward movement of plug portion 62 away from sealing seat
20 in interior vault 22a, compressed air CA from pressure vessel 24 is blocked by
plunger 18 from flowing through one or more openings 32a in sides 32 of valve housing
12 into area A2 of internal area 22. Fluidly connected to internal area 22 is housing
base 12a opening 13. Base 12a of housing 12 is fluidly connected to nozzle pipe 28.
As such, in this second "closed" position, plunger 18 is positioned within internal
area 22 of valve housing 12 to block compressed air CA flow through one or more openings
32a and into fluidly connected nozzle pipe 28. Likewise, plug portion 62 moves a distance
from sealing seat 20 of interior vault 22a upon fluid F flow from solenoid valve 14
into interior vault 22a via passage 14a. In this second closed position, the compressed
air CA pressure inside interior area 26 of pressure vessel 24 and inside interior
area 22 of valve housing 12 are less than that of the fluid F pressure inside interior
vault 22a.
[0020] A method of using the subject pulse valve 10 for cleaning at least a portion of a
filter unit 27 comprises decreasing fluid F pressure within interior vault 22a of
a valve housing 12 to cause pressure movement of a plunger 18 into a first "open"
position allowing flow of compressed air CA from a pressure vessel or compressed air
tank 24 through valve housing 12 and into a nozzle pipe 28 in fluid connection therewith.
This pulse of compressed air CA into nozzle pipe 28 cleans the filter unit 27 from
dust cake build up for hopper collection. Increasing fluid F pressure within interior
vault 22a of the valve housing 12 likewise causes pressure movement of the plunger
18 into a second "closed" position blocking flow of compressed air CA from the pressure
vessel or compressed air tank 24 to the fluidly connected nozzle pipe 28 until the
next filter unit 27 cleaning.
[0021] For purposes of this method, the compressed air CA in the pressure vessel 24 has
a pressure of about 10 psi to about 145 psi, or about 60 psi. When the plunger 18
is in the first open position, the fluid F pressure within the interior vault 22a
of the valve housing 12 is significantly less than that of the compressed air CA within
the pressure vessel or compressed air tank 24. When the plunger 18 is in the second
closed position, the fluid F pressure within the interior vault 22a of the valve housing
12 is equal to greater than that of the compressed air CA within interior 26 of pressure
vessel 24, and significantly greater than that of the nozzle pipe 28. Pressure within
the valve housing 12 interior vault 22a is controlled using a solenoid valve 14 or
the like for purposes of the subject method to control fluid F flow into and out of
the interior vault 22a of the valve housing 12 and to thus control the movement of
plunger 18 and compressed air CA flow to nozzle pipe 28.
[0022] The subject method further comprises providing a dampening mechanism 30a comprising
one or more cushions 30, within the valve housing 12 to reduce or cushion the impact
between the valve housing 12 interior surface 42 and the plunger 18 free ends 56 upon
movement of the plunger 18 into the first open position. Providing cushions 30 as
herein described also reduces the impact noise of the plunger 18 with the valve housing
12 upon movement of the plunger 18 into the first open position.
[0023] Additionally, dampening mechanism 30a enables the use of an increased tank pressure
for increased filter area cleaning per cleaning valve without jeopardizing cleaning
valve reliability. Without dampening mechanism 30a, increased tank pressure jeopardizes
cleaning valve reliability due to damage or wear caused by increased mechanical stresses
from the resultant higher velocity impact of the plunger 18 with the valve housing
12. Dampening mechanism 30a cushions the impact of plunger 18 within valve housing
12 thus lessening mechanical stresses of such impacts and reducing damage or wear
to the cleaning valve 10. Hence, with dampening mechanism 30a, cleaning valve 10 reliability
is not jeopardized with increased tank or pressure vessel 24 compressed air CA pressure.
[0024] Therefore in the arrangement of a valve 10 and pressure vessel 24, the valve (10)
has the housing 12 with at least an opening 32a, the plunger 18 slideably positioned
in the housing 12, the control mechanism 62,20, 14 to cause plunger movement. The
pressure vessel 24 has an exterior surface 48 with at least an opening 46. The valve
10 is connected to the at least an opening 46 of the pressure vessel 24. The plunger
18 has at least a first part with a larger size and a second part with a smaller size.
[0025] The first part of the plunger is positioned outside of the pressure vessel 24 in
all valve configurations.
[0026] For this reason, the housing 12 has a cavity with a first cavity part of larger size
and a second cavity part of smaller size, the housing 12 also has a first outer part
with larger size and a second outer part with smaller size. The first cavity part
is completely included in the first outer part of the housing 12.
[0027] Typically housing 12 is cylindrical, therefore the larger or smaller size indicates
a larger or smaller diameter of different parts of the housing 12. It is anyhow clear
that the cross section of the housing 12 can be any or the cross section of different
parts of the housing 12 can be any; the size has to be thus intended as the size of
the cross section of the different parts of the housing 12.
[0028] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications
and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has
been described by way of illustration and not limitation.
1. An arrangement of a valve (10) and a pressure vessel (24), wherein the valve (10)
has
a housing (12) with at least an opening (32a),
a plunger (18) slideably positioned in the housing (12),
a control mechanism (62,20, 14) to cause plunger movement,
the pressure vessel (24) has an exterior surface (48) with at least an opening (46),
wherein
the valve (10) is connected to the at least an opening (46) of the pressure vessel
(24),
the plunger (18) has at least a first part with a larger size and a second part with
a smaller size,
characterized in that
the first part of the plunger is positioned outside of the pressure vessel (24) in
all valve configurations.
2. The arrangement of claim 1, characterized in that
the housing (12) includes a base (12a),
a nozzle pipe (28) is arranged in the pressure vessel (24);
the base (12a) is connected to the nozzle pipe (28).
3. The arrangement of claim 2, characterized in that the base (12a) extends from the housing (12).
4. The arrangement of claim 2, characterized in that the base (12a) is tubular and sized to threadedly engage an interior surface (28a)
of the nozzle pipe (28).
5. The arrangement of claim 1, characterized in that the housing (12) further comprises a dampening mechanism (30) to reduce impact and
reduce impact noise between the housing (12) and the plunger (18) upon movement of
the plunger (18) into the open position.
6. The arrangement of claim 1, characterized in that the control mechanism (62, 20, 14) comprises a valve (14) on the housing (12) for
control of fluid flow to and from the housing (12).
7. A valve (10) having
a housing (12) with at least an opening (32a),
a plunger (18) slideably positioned in the housing (12),
a control mechanism (62,20, 14) to cause plunger movement,
wherein
the plunger (18) has at least a first part with a larger size and a second part with
a smaller size,
the housing (12) has a cavity with a first cavity part of larger size and a second
cavity part of smaller size,
the housing (12) has a first outer part with larger size and a second outer part with
smaller size,
characterized in that
the first cavity part is completely included in the first outer part of the housing
(12).
8. The valve (10) of claim 7, characterized in that the plunger (18) is slideably positioned in the first cavity part of the housing
(12).
9. The valve (10) of claim 7, characterized in that the second part of the plunger (18) is configured for entering the second cavity
part of the housing (12).
10. The valve (10) of claim 7, characterized by further comprising a base (12a), which extends from the housing (12).